15 Investment Pieces For The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe
Want to make sure you always have the right thing to wear? These 15 pieces are essential to a capsule wardrobe and will provide the unshakable foundation of a love-forever closet for 2025 and beyond
The tailored coat
There’s no better way to mark the start of fall/winter than with a new coat – and the worthiest investments are those in smart, tailored shapes. From the brand’s ‘Garderob’ collection (wardrobe in Swedish), Toteme’s style is exquisitely crafted from a blend of recycled and virgin cashmere and has a classic double-breasted front. Elsewhere, Vivienne Westwood’s ‘Winston’ is cut from marled wool-twill and is an elegant way to tap into the season’s British-heritage trend. For cocktail hour, button Stella McCartney’s tuxedo-inspired coat up over a sleek black dress or suit.
A midi skirt
When it comes to skirts, midi-length styles are arguably the most versatile. Easy to dress up or down, there’s little you can’t pair them with – from simple sweaters and romantic blouses to loafers and ankle boots. For something with after-hours appeal, Tibi’s faux patent-leather midi might just be the piece to tempt you away from your favorite jeans. Elsewhere, Róhe’s chic pleated wool-blend skirt is an elegant day-to-night option, especially when paired with a crisp shirt and burgundy accessories.
A knitted dress
As temperatures begin to dip, it can be tempting to stay bundled up in coats and oversized sweaters – great when you’re outdoors, but not quite sleek enough if you’re heading to an important meeting or client dinner. Enter the knitted dress. Stella McCartney’s off-the-shoulder maxi comes in the most gorgeous (and suitably autumnal) ‘Lipstick Red’ shade and feels effortlessly elegant, while Toteme’s turtleneck is a timeless everyday choice. For dressier occasions, choose Alaïa’s turtleneck midi in exquisitely soft jersey. The heart-shaped open back calls for an updo and statement drop earrings.
A classic shoulder bag
Some shoulder bags are designed to be buzzy, one-season wonders – but dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover an array of tried-and-true pieces that really deserve cult status. Their day-to-night practicality ensures they become forever favorites in your accessories closet. It’s impossible to go wrong with Gucci’s ‘Jackie 1961’ shoulder bag, crafted from smooth burgundy leather and suede and detailed with the iconic gold-tone piston clasp. Elsewhere, Savette’s ‘Symmetry 26’ style in smooth emerald leather is an equally chic all-rounder that will stay by your side for years to come.
Tailored pants
Find the perfect pair of tailored pants and you’re guaranteed to have them on heavy rotation. Not only does the flattering fit and inherent polish equal the ultimate confidence-booster, but they’re among the few pieces that can transition seamlessly between settings (simply swap your daytime ballet flats or sneakers for a pair of heels). Our fashion team love Loewe’s straight-leg style, which are crafted from wool-twill with a gathered high-rise waist – wear with a simple tee and a leather jacket for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Likewise, Sasuphi’s floor-pooling ‘Bogart’ pair is made to be worn on heavy rotation and will work from the office to after-hours – simply swap shirting for a bodysuit.
Chic flats
Heels are an easy way to elevate an outfit (both literally and figuratively), but aren’t always the most practical, which is why flats are an essential part of any capsule closet. Every fashion editor’s favorite, Saint Laurent’s glossy, crinkled leather ‘Le Loafers’ look effortlessly chic paired with pretty much anything. Wear them to the office with a tailored suit or on the weekend with a slouchy knit and jeans. Alternatively, Jil Sander’s square-toe ballet flats come in red leather with silver stud detailing and are such a fun way to add a flash of color to your outfits.
The blazer
Escaping the office-only pigeonhole, blazers are both one of the hottest items to invest in right now and a capsule-closet essential. Turn to New York label TWP for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Cut from herringbone wool-blend in an oversized shape, the brand’s ‘Girl Boy Girl’ blazer will elevate just about anything you pair it with. Meanwhile, Stella McCartney’s double-breasted style from our NET SUSTAIN edit will become a staple in your office rotation. Pair it with the matching pants (also available in our edit) and an oversized coat, just like it was shown on the fall/winter 2025 runway.
Straight-leg jeans
Consider timeless straight-leg jeans the new denim default for your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate investment, look to all-American brands with cult followings, such as Agolde, which produces as much of its denim as possible in its hometown of Los Angeles. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, the brand’s bestselling ’90s cult favorite, the ‘Pinch Waist’ jeans, are a no-brainer thanks to their timeless and flattering shape – plus this version is crafted from regenerative cotton that becomes softer with each wear. Meanwhile, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Blaine’ jeans (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) have been faded and whiskered to resemble an authentic vintage pair. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and ankle boots – or a camisole and kitten-heeled mules for after-dark appeal.
A cashmere knit
Whether you’re looking to add to your ever-growing collection or replace a love-worn favorite, fall is the perfect time to upgrade your knitwear – and there’s no better choice than cashmere. Standout styles include Khaite’s ‘Milo’ crew neck in versatile beige and Arch4’s cable-knit ‘Comet’ polo knit – a highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Pair your favorite with everything from wide-leg jeans to midi skirts. Alternatively, if you’re seeking something a touch more colorful, consider Joseph’s raspberry-hued sweater. To ensure longevity, use a special knitwear comb and fabric spray to keep yours fresh and bobble-free between wears.
Everyday jewelry
Be sure not to neglect the finer details when curating your capsule closet. While relatively small in scale, an eye-catching earring or glittering necklace can have an outsized impact – and instantly elevate an everyday outfit from basic to brilliant. Silver and white gold have been back on our radar for some time now, and both Lié Studio’s ‘The Liv’ bracelet and Yvonne Léon’s 9-karat white gold ‘Baby Chevaliere’ ring look chic beneath folded shirt cuffs. Those who favor gold, on the other hand, are sure to fall head over heels for Foundrae’s necklace, strung with an intricate ‘Resilience’ medallion that’s detailed with sparkling diamonds, floral latticework and the phrase “as long as I breathe, I hope” in Latin.
A wear-anywhere shirt
The most dependable of wardrobe essentials, the shirt is among a select few garments that can convey both authority and ease. Loewe’s crisp organic cotton-blend poplin style from our NET SUSTAIN edit is reimagined with layered pleated sleeves, while Aimé Leon Dore’s comes in a classic navy shade. Alternatively, lean into the Americana look with Kallmeyer’s ‘Chloé’ style in checked voile, which looks as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned up with sharply tailored pants.
The do-it-all tote
Whether you’re heading to work, a fitness class, or a weekend getaway, having a go-to bag that’s big enough to hold all your essentials is sure to lighten the load of any must-carry checklist – leaving your mind free to ponder the more playful elements of each outfit. Enter the do-it-all commuter tote. Saint Laurent’s ‘Icare’ quilted style is roomy and reliable, while Toteme’s ‘Lounge’ tote offers the same versatility in chocolate suede. Elsewhere, embrace the season’s trending leopard-print finishes with DeMellier’s ‘New York’ tote, which has plenty of space inside for a tablet, cosmetics case and a change of clothes. Style it with relaxed tailoring for the office or loungewear on a long-haul flight.
Ankle boots
Aside from being sleek and timeless, the beauty of ankle boots is that they come in a variety of heel heights and silhouettes to suit all manner of occasions and terrains yet always look smart – essential if you’re dashing across the city in cold, wet weather. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, Jimmy Choo’s snake-effect leather ‘Frankie’ comes in a sleek pointed-toe silhouette with a stiletto heel that will elevate office and evening looks. Alternatively, for wear-anywhere flats, opt for Aeyde’s glossy ‘Vincent’ boots – a highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit and made using at least 50% lower-impact materials.
A leather jacket
A leather jacket is more than just an extra layer; it’s an attitude – and will make anything you pair it with instantly cooler. Just look at the fall/winter 2025 runways for proof, with the likes of Saint Laurent, Khaite and McQueen offering up fresh new takes on classic styles. Magda Butrym’s style takes cues from relaxed, utilitarian styles but updates the silhouette with oversized sculptural pockets, while Nili Lotan’s tailored jacket feels a touch more polished. One thing’s for certain – both will work overtime in your closet this season and beyond.
Sleek accessories
Sometimes, all it takes to elevate your everyday staples is a great accessory. Sunglasses are always non-negotiable – just be sure to choose a pair that flatters your face and personal style. Saint Laurent Eyewear’s ’90s-inspired frames will pair beautifully with leather jackets and sharp tailoring alike. Next, elevate your favorite jeans or pants with a refined belt, like Déhanche’s snake-effect leather design from our NET SUSTAIN edit, or try tying Toteme’s printed silk scarf around your waist.
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